2007 Other BMW Models General questions

I have a new 2007 BMW 335xi automatic. I used to own a 2002 330xi auto. Although the newer car is much more powerful overall, the gas pedal feels much softer and less responsive, especially when not in sport mode. There seems to be a 1-2 second delay off the line in auto, maybe half a second in sport. In sport it is better but still quite squishy compared to my last car. Is this normal? Have they changed it over 5 years to conserve fuel or prevent spinning the tires in snow? If I turn off the traction control will it make a difference? Also sometimes there only seems to be exhaust coming from the right tailpipe, not the left, especially when I first start the car up. Is this normal? Thanks.